El Paso Area Senator Comments On Texas Voter ID Bill

"With an estimated 100,000 teachers expected to lose their jobs, a proposed $17 billion to be cut from vital health and human services programs and community colleges across our state likely having to shutter their doors due to the $27 billion budget shortfall, now is not the time to focus on a non-existent problem. It is time that we roll up our sleeves to work to address the real issues that face the future of our state.

"The actions of the leadership send a strong message to the people of El Paso and across our state that politics is more important than keeping teachers in the classrooms, insuring children without health coverage and making sure anyone who wants to attend a state university can afford to do so.

"If voter fraud does exist, those perpetrating the fraud should be punished to the greatest extent of the law. Right now, there is no evidence that voter impersonation is occurring in our state. The only thing this legislation will accomplish is to make it harder for law-abiding citizens to have a voice in our democratic process.

"Instead of disenfranchising voters, we need to empower people to participate in the democratic process, to register and to vote."